The spirit of the Better Beginnings Award is that better beginnings make stronger completions. It recognizes early childhood education as the most effective investment for long-term success. To be eligible, the nominee must be currently teaching at the elementary level (PreK-6) at a public or private school, and be appropriately credentialed in New York State.

A teacher may be initially recommended for nomination by any person within the school or community, including pupils, parents, administrators, teachers and community members. A complete portfolio, with the inclusion of at least one, and no more than two, statement(s) of nomination from each of these categories is submitted for each nominee.

We look forward to receiving many applications from our statewide teachers for this important teacher recognition initiative. Please contact David Lovell, Better Beginnings Award Coordinator, at (518) 486-6042 or via e-mail.at: tdpr@mail.nysed.gov with any questions. As always, we appreciate your cooperation.